Abigroup has announced it has secured two major contracts with Rio Tinto for works on the company’s Rail Capacity Enhancement Project near Karratha in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

This announcement comes following a six-month early contractor involvement phase which saw Abigroup work closely with the projects Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) partner Calibre Global, and Rio Tinto to refine the project scope and program to maximise the value of the project for the client and establish a collaborative and transparent working environment.

The two contracts will see Abigroup duplicate approximately 60km of Rio Tinto’s existing Cape Lambert to Emu railway formation including bulk earthworks, drainage works, two rail bridges, new access roads and associated works as well as upgrading Rio Tinto’s existing Emu Siding facilities.

“This is the largest contract Abigroup has secured in Western Australia since establishing our business here five years ago and further expands on our successful relationship with Rio Tinto,” Abigroup general manager Western Australia, Maurice Dessauvagie said.

“The projects, which form an essential part of Rio Tinto’s expansion upgrade program, will be delivered as part of our existing framework arrangement with Rio Tinto.

“Since commencing operations in Western Australia five years ago the business in the west has grown through a series of strong infrastructure projects for both the public and private sectors.”

Work will start on the project immediately with completion scheduled for early 2014.